It's true mambas (not just the black mamba) attack body and head, but not necessarily from trees, they do it from the ground too. They can lift their heads 4 feet in the air, and they're in that position when they chase. They also typically bite multiple times, not just once and done. Scary.

I hear ya on the ticks and wasps! But nervous guys with sidearms?? What about well trained/well armed sportmans?

While I support your decision and your right to keep and bear arms. And I am not the least bit anti-gun. This only my first thought about the last statement...

When I see a bear, I know its a bear. When I see a rattle snake, I know its a rattle snake. When I see a guy with a gun...the other guy has an "I'm with stupid >" T-shirt, I'm not as sure what I'm seeing.

Yeah, I'm like the rest here, sorry troutbuster. I am pro-gun, card carrying member of the NRA. But regarding the need for protection streamside, I suppose if the area is known to have wild dogs or something, or if you're worried about other people, although that too might get you into more trouble than its worth. But bears and snakes are way down on my list of worries, and I don't think the gun will do you anything at all for snakes. They're only dangerous when you're in striking range and don't have any clue that they're there. I like to carry a gun when I take a hike somewhere, rarely while fishing. But that has nothing to do with protection, if anything it adds danger. Its more about finding a can someone littered, and seeing if I can't put a few holes in it before carrying it out.

Sorry TB- I'm will those in the boat of not carry a gun for protection. I own 7 guns- mostly shotguns and hunt a decent amount but never felt a need to carry one. (unless I plan on hanging out in the northside)

Well, protecting the home is a different matter altogether, or even protecting yourself from people outside the home, although (with exceptions, of course) a stream isn't the type of place you're likely to run into those type of issues.

Also, I still do believe in the original purpose of the 2nd amendment, which was to keep the ultimate power in the hands of the people as a check against our own government. I own guns and I'm proud of that, and I'll fight for your right to carry your gun. I just don't feel the need to carry streamside, but I want to make sure that decision always falls in my hands and not the government's.

The NRA fights for your right to make that decision on your own, but it doesn't tell you what choice to make.